While sleep apnea is not directly related to heart disease, research suggests that this condition can increase your risk of heart failure and exacerbate existing cardiovascular problems. However, there are measures you can take to mitigate these risks and enjoy better slumber. Here’s a brief overview of how sleep apnea can affect your cardiovascular health and how your dentist can help.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a medical condition resulting from the relaxing tissues in the neck weighing heavily on the windpipe during sleep. This can cause the windpipe to constrict, which limits the amount of oxygen the sleeper can receive. When the brain figures out that it’s not getting enough oxygen, it sends a distress signal to the rest of the body that causes the patient to wake up suddenly and short of breath. While they will begin breathing normally again after waking, the problem may happen more than a hundred times in a single night in severe cases.
How Can Sleep Apnea Affect My Heart?
Sleep apnea may affect your heart in a variety of ways such as:
- Causing you to wake up many times in a single night since shifting between the waking and sleeping states suddenly and frequently can be stressful to your heart.
- Damage to the heart caused by breathing against a blocked upper airway.
- Making obesity more likely since poor sleep is linked to lethargy and overeating.
- Restricting the amount of oxygen your body can absorb, which can lead to heart palpitations.
How Can My Sleep Dentist Help?
When most people think of sleep apnea treatments, they think of CPAP machines. However, many patients find that these devices are uncomfortable, and they can be quite difficult to travel with. Thankfully, modern sleep dentists can often treat sleep apnea with a customized oral appliance that holds the mouth slightly open and the jaw in a slightly forward position. This can significantly reduce the burden the tissues in the neck place on the windpipe during slumber.
Don’t let sleep apnea diminish your quality of life and overall health. Consulting with your sleep dentist can help you find the best way to achieve many pleasant nights of refreshing rest.
About the Author
Dr. Dean Hutto earned his dental degree at the University of Texas Dental School in Houston and continues to develop his skills through continuing education coursework. He is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Baytown offers sleep apnea treatments such as oral appliance therapy. If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, contact his office online or dial (281) 422-8249.